Chapter 4 begins unexpectedly
Brother Wu, let us report what they have done to Sister Bai! Look at their audacious demeanor!" As soon as they stepped out of the Talisman Hall, Wang Gu said resentfully.
With a quiet sigh, Wu Yan truly began to doubt whether Wang Gu, in his current state, would even be able to participate in the competition, let alone achieve the rewards he spoke of. "Junior Brother Wang, you don't seem to be in good shape. This could affect your performance in the competition," Wu Yan said, approaching Wang Gu and gently reminding him. This was all he could do; after thirty years in the Yunmeng Sect, he had long understood one thing: one must have self-awareness, and judging by Wang Gu's appearance, it was clear that his condition was not due to nervousness.
Wu Yan suddenly smiled and said, "Alright, let's go!" He turned around and pulled Wang Gu, who still wanted to say something, and walked outside.
Looking at his gritted teeth, Wu Yan sighed inwardly. Wang Gu's thoughts were still somewhat naive. Fortunately, he was in the Symbol Refining Hall; if he were in the Artifact Refining Hall, it would be normal to work hard for a month only to end up being completely robbed. Those tall cultivators are the hardest to deal with, as most of them have strong backing, which allows them to form cliques and specifically bully low-level cultivators without connections. "Let's just forget it! Junior Brother Wang, even if your Senior Sister Bai knows about this, it won't change anything. You can't compete with them. Also, take this spirit stone with you!"
It seems that this woman with the surname Bai is indeed not simple! No wonder she produces the most talismans in the entire talisman-making hall each month. Unfortunately, others only think that she has profound skills in talisman-making, and they never consider that the quality of a blank talisman paper is also significantly related to the success of the talisman-making process. Just looking at Wang Gu and a few others, who can complete more than eighty sheets of talisman paper each month, and the quality is even a few points better than the talisman paper I produce, this is enough to illustrate the issue.
As he watched the figures of Wu Yan and the other person disappear, the tall cultivator's eyes flashed with a glint of brilliance. Suddenly, he commanded, "Investigate this person's background thoroughly. Given his fearless demeanor, he must have some backing. If he doesn't, we will settle the score with him after the challenge competition ends"
With a quiet sigh, Wu Yan waved his hand to gather the failed materials scattered on the ground. He glanced at the silvery liquid in the alchemical cauldron and felt relieved that only a small portion remained. Hopefully, this Wang Gu won't make a fuss about it! "Junior Brother Wang! Please come in!" Wu Yan said as he opened the barrier set at the entrance.
"Enough, no need to say more, just withdraw from the competition!" Wu Yan interrupted Wang Gu's words, gently patting his shoulder, and turned to leave. However, he was immediately blocked by four or five low-level cultivators. Among them, a tall cultivator with a ninth level of Qi Refining clearly led the group. He coldly scrutinized Wu Yan a few times, snorted disdainfully, and then arrogantly addressed Wang Gu, whose face had already turned pale: "What? Are you not convinced? Do you still want to find someone to help? Hmph! Don't say I didn't warn you in advance. If you dare to participate in this challenge or report this matter to Senior Sister Bai, I will definitely make you regret it!"
"Fairness?" Wu Yan coldly glanced at the increasingly agitated Wang Gu. "The term 'fairness' is not something low-level cultivators like you and I can discuss. Let me ask you, why are they threatening you? You must understand that it is because your existence poses a threat to that Senior Brother Yan among them. But the question is, did you know who your opponent was before this? I assume you did not! You must also realize that your existence has made that Senior Brother Yan feel threatened. However, the other party is very clear about this, which is enough to illustrate the point. Therefore, even if your Senior Sister Bai learns of this matter, she will be helpless against that person named Yan. After all, this list was drawn up by those foundation-building cultivators. So, Junior Brother Wang, you must understand that in this world, only sufficient strength can justify discussions of fairness"
Wu Yan took the spirit stone without hesitation, fully aware that the other party would definitely cause him trouble afterward. Therefore, since a falling out was inevitable, he decided to take advantage of the situation, even if this advantage was merely a single spirit stone
"Alright! We will give up and will not speak of this matter, but you must at least provide some compensation!" Wu Yan calmly glanced at Wang Gu before slowly addressing the tall cultivator.
However, Wu Yan himself does not pay much attention to this point, as he is not concerned about the quality of the materials. He believes that in just a few months, the quality of the talisman paper produced will stabilize, and at that time, he will be able to prepare for the creation of the magical talismans
Compensation? A tall monk beside him suddenly let out a cold laugh, "Our Senior Brother Yan just doesn't want to waste effort on these insignificant characters. Could it be that a seventh-level novice like you can pass the first round of tests? Enough with the nonsense, hurry up and disappear from our sight, otherwise, you will bear the consequences yourself"
Hehe! How could I dare to challenge Senior Sister Bai! It was Senior Sister Bai who encouraged me to participate. She said that even if I cannot succeed in the challenge, as long as I defeat the other talisman disciples and pass the first round of the test smoothly, it would still bring great benefits.
Brother Wu! They ... ...
Wang Gu was trembling all over, clearly forcing himself to maintain control. He placed great importance on this challenge competition and believed that with his strength, even if he could not succeed in the challenge, he could at least pass the first round of tests. However, last night he suddenly faced threats from several individuals who demanded that he withdraw from the competition, which kept him awake all night. Although he wanted to report this matter to Senior Sister Bai, he feared retaliation from the other party afterward. Yet, he was unwilling to give up, thinking that the rewards that might have belonged to him would go to waste. The thought that Senior Sister Bai, who had always believed in him, might underestimate him because of this made a flame of anger rise in Wang Gu's heart. Just as this flame was about to erupt, Wu Yan's calm voice came through, "Stay calm, do not act impulsively"
Brother Wu! Brother Wu! Wang Gu's voice came from outside the stone house. Over the past month, apart from Zhuo Ming's visit once, only Wang Gu had come a few times, so Wu Yan was not completely isolated from the world. However, even so, Wu Yan felt extremely inconvenienced, because although what he was doing was not particularly astonishing, it was best if it remained unknown. Yet, he could not directly tell Wang Gu that he did not wish to be disturbed, as Wang Gu was the only one in the Symbol Crafting Hall who had shown him some goodwill. Nevertheless, even so, Wu Yan felt extremely inconvenienced, because although what he was doing was not particularly astonishing, it was best if it remained unknown. Yet, he could not directly tell Wang Gu that he did not wish to be disturbed, as Wang Gu was the only one in the Symbol Crafting Hall who had shown him some goodwill.
At this moment, Wu Yan was not only focused on producing talisman paper, but also on skillfully manipulating his magical power. Therefore, he continued to use fifty portions of materials for each batch, refusing to rest until all the liquid was used up. With the experience gained from the first batch, he became increasingly adept at creating blank talisman paper. As his proficiency improved, the amount of magical power consumed during the condensation of the talisman paper correspondingly decreased. What originally took six days and nights to complete a batch now only required three days and nights.
Of course, although Wu Yan understood the reasons behind it, he would not tell Wang Gu. Such matters cannot be considered bad; had someone been willing to give him this opportunity in the past, he would have been profoundly grateful.
"Wait!" The tall monk suddenly reached out to stop Wu Yan and his companion, gazing deeply at Wu Yan. He then slowly said, "You are right; I should compensate him. However, I will only offer one spirit stone. Do you accept?"
"This is unfair! Brother Wu! Are you also afraid of them?" Wang Gu did not go to collect the spirit stones; instead, his voice grew louder.
Oh! Is that so!" Wu Yan replied casually, feeling somewhat envious of Wang Gu. This fellow really has good luck, having encountered such a great leader who not only provided guidance on making blank talisman paper but also nonchalantly allowed him to participate in the challenge. This is a hundred times better than his own horse-faced senior brother. "Alright! If I have time on the day of the competition, I will definitely come to support you.
In the following month, Wu Yan devoted all his energy to the production of blank talisman paper. Seizing the opportunity while the entire Talisman Hall was in disarray preparing for the upcoming competition, he gathered a large quantity of yellow jade leaves. As a result, the materials for making talisman paper in Wu Yan's hands exceeded a thousand portions, sufficient for other talisman craftsmen to use for over a year
A few days later, Wu Yan still paused the production of blank talisman paper to cheer for Wang Gu. At this moment, the Talisman Hall was much livelier than usual, with many low-level cultivators, who usually focused on their own tasks or cultivation, flocking in. However, Wu Yan knew that most of these people were merely there to watch the excitement; there were still very few cultivators who possessed both courage and strength. After wandering around for a while, Wu Yan finally found Wang Gu, who looked anxious in a corner. He appeared like a mouse with nowhere to hide, while the people coming and going around him resembled fierce cats. Nevertheless, Wu Yan understood that most of these individuals were just there for the spectacle; true cultivators with both courage and strength were still quite rare.
"Brother Wu! Why are you still cooped up in the house? The 'Fish Leaping Over the Dragon Gate Challenge' is starting in a few days. Even if you don't participate, you should at least go and enjoy the excitement!" Wang Gu exclaimed joyfully as he rushed in, "And I have signed up to participate as well. You should at least come and cheer for me!"
"Are you also participating?" Wu Yan looked at Wang Gu, who was still excited, with suspicion. "Is it that Senior Sister Bai who challenged you?" As far as Wu Yan knew, Wang Gu's direct superior had a cultivation level of the thirteenth layer of Qi Refining and was currently attempting to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage. Although Wu Yan had never seen her in person, he understood from Wang Gu's description that she was an extraordinarily beautiful woman, even among the entire Tianluo Peak, she was second to none. Moreover, she seemed to have a significant background, which attracted many suitors. Naturally, Wang Gu idolized this Senior Sister Bai. Previously, he had never considered participating in the challenge competition, so it was quite surprising to Wu Yan that Wang Gu now claimed he wanted to join.
After a moment of distraction, Wu Yan finally calmed down to produce the remaining blank talisman paper. Last month, he produced a total of 189 sheets of blank talisman paper, with a success rate of less than 50%. As for the tasks for the current month, he submitted 34 sheets of blank talisman paper, all of which were of the lowest quality. Therefore, although Zhuo Ming was somewhat surprised by the number he managed to produce successfully, he did not say anything. After all, talisman paper of such quality could only be successfully used by cultivators with significant expertise in talisman crafting; otherwise, it was essentially equivalent to waste paper. Achieving even one successful talisman from thirty sheets of blank paper was quite commendable.
Ah! I knew that Senior Brother Wu would definitely support me. Then, Senior Brother, you can get back to your work. I haven't told anyone else about this news yet!" After Wang Gu finished speaking, he happily dashed out. Watching his figure disappear, Wu Yan smiled and shook his head. This Wang Gu, I really can't tell if he is happy because he can participate in the challenge or if he thinks that his Senior Sister Bai has taken a liking to him. If I am not mistaken, several of the talisman disciples under that Senior Sister Bai will also participate in the competition in a few days.